Governor Signs Off On New Map Redrawing Congressional Districts

2 years ago

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) _ Florida Gov. Rick Scott is signing off on new maps that will alter several congressional districts.

Scott on Wednesday signed into law a new map approved by the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature.

The map will be presented to a Florida judge who ruled that the state's current map included districts that were illegally drawn to help the GOP.

Judge Terry Lewis had given legislators until Aug. 15 to come up with a valid map.

The new map approved this week reshapes the boundaries of seven of the state's 27 congressional districts.

But the groups that sued the Legislature say they will ask Lewis to reject it.

League of Women Voters of Florida President Deirdre Macnab said that the new map ``looks suspiciously'' like the previous one that was ruled unconstitutional.

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UPDATE 8/11 6:31pm

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) _ The state Legislature has approved a new map for Florida's congressional districts after a judge ruled that the former districts were drawn illegally to benefit Republicans.

The Republican-controlled Legislature on Monday voted largely along partisan lines to approve a new map that alters seven of the state's 27 congressional districts.

The changes would make two seats slightly more competitive for Democrats. But it's not certain the new districts will change Florida's congressional delegation. Republicans currently hold a 17-10 edge.

Legislators held a three-day special session to fix the congressional map after a judge ruled that two districts were drawn illegally. Judge Terry Lewis gave legislators until this Friday to draw a new map.

The Florida Senate voted 25-12 on Monday to change seven of the state's 27 congressional districts. The Florida House is expected to vote later Monday.

Legislators are holding a special session after a judge ruled in July that two districts were drawn illegally to benefit Republicans. Circuit Judge Terry Lewis earlier this month gave legislators until Aug. 15 to draw a new map.

The map was drawn up by Republicans and alters seven districts in north and central Florida. Democrats drew up an alternative plan but it was voted down by the GOP majority.

It's not clear right now if the new districts will be put in place before the 2016 elections.